Sometimes, a meal at a unique restaurant is just what you need. Fortunately, Ohio is full of one-of-a-kind restaurants with fascinating backstories. From refurbished barns and schoolhouses to former jails and grocery stores, the following are 7 repurposed restaurants in Ohio where the atmosphere is just as amazing as the food.

1. The Olde Jaol Steakhouse and Tavern (Wooster)
Olde Jaol Steakhouse and Tavern/Facebook
Olde Jaol Steakhouse and Tavern/Facebook
What was once the Wayne County Jail is now a special restaurant that both locals and visitors alike can't get enough of. The Olde Jaol Steakhouse and Tavern in Wooster, Ohio is a true historic gem that’s perfect for a special evening out. Between the unique atmosphere and the delicious cuisine, you’re sure to remember your visit here. (You can even dine in the former cell rooms, if you wish.) The Olde Jaol Steakhouse and Tavern is located at 215 N. Walnut St., Wooster, OH 44691. To learn more, visit the official Facebook page for The Olde Jaol Steakhouse and Tavern.
2. The Stockport Mill Inn and Restaurant on the Dam (Stockport)
kh32203/Trip Advisor
Scook48227/Trip Advisor
Tucked away along the Muskingum River in southeast Ohio, you'll find this hidden gem. The last remaining mill on the river is now a one-of-a-kind overnight getaway and restaurant. Today, it is still powered by hydroelectricity, and the mill itself has been in operation since 1842. You'll find it at 1995 Broadway St., Stockport, OH 43787. To learn more, visit the official Facebook page for The Stockport Mill Inn and Restaurant on the Dam.
3. The Barn Restaurant (Smithville)
The Barn Restaurant/Facebook
The Barn Restaurant/Facebook
A refurbished rustic barn, board games and a scenic lake you can explore outside give this unique eatery an unbelievably charming atmosphere. You’ll fall in love with the setting and feel right at home. The Barn Restaurant is located at 877 W Main St., Smithville, OH 44677. To learn more, visit the official website for The Barn Restaurant in Ohio.
4. Boyd and Wurthmann Restaurant (Berlin)
Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant /Facebook
Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant /Facebook
What was once a grocery store in the 1930s is now a beloved Amish restaurant that locals and visitors alike can't get enough of. Boyd and Wurthmann Restaurant is located at 4819 East Main St., Berlin, OH 44610. To learn more, visit the official website for Boyd and Wurthmann Restaurant.
5. The Schoolhouse Restaurant (Camp Dennison)
The Schoolhouse Restaurant/Facebook
The Schoolhouse Restaurant/Facebook
This refurbished school house was built in the early 1860s during the Civil War. The Camp Dennison School was in operation from 1864 through 1954, and it is rumored to have been the first two-room, two-story school house in the Midwest. Today, it serves visitors many traditional homemade favorites such as fried chicken, meat loaf and mashed potatoes. The School House Restaurant is located at 8031 Glendale Milford Rd., Camp Dennison, OH 45111. To learn more, visit the official website for The Schoolhouse Restaurant in Ohio.
6. Pine Tree Barn (Wooster)
Pine Tree Barn/Facebook
Pine Tree Barn/Facebook
This restored 1868 Dutch bank barn overlooks the Killbuck Valley and family Christmas tree farm in Wooster. In addition to a gourmet luncheon restaurant, the property features a furniture store and gift shop. You'll find it at 4374 Shreve Rd., Wooster, OH 44691. To learn more, visit the official website for Pine Tree Barn.
7. The Berea Union Depot Restaurant (Berea)
Union Depot Taverne/Facebook
Union Depot Taverne/Facebook
If you’re a train enthusiast, there’s a restaurant in Ohio that’s just for you. The Berea Union Depot Restaurant in Berea, Ohio features a unique dining experience inside a historic train depot alongside active railroad tracks. What was once a bustling railroad hub in the late 1800s is now a family favorite restaurant where visitors can enjoy the history, unique atmosphere and passing trains. You'll find it at 30 Depot St., Berea, OH 44017. To learn more, visit the official website for The Berea Union Depot Restaurant.

Have you been to any of these repurposed restaurants in Ohio? If so, we want to know what your experience was like! Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know another unique restaurant in the Buckeye State, nominate it for a chance to be featured.

If you loved these places, you’ll also want to check out this delicious Ohio steakhouse that’s located inside an old barn.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

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repurposed restaurants in Ohio

Elisa Regulski | September 10, 2020

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Featured Addresses
Olde Jaol Steakhouse and Tavern, 215 N Walnut St, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
1995 Broadway St, Stockport, OH 43787, USA
877 W Main St, Smithville, OH 44677, USA
4819 E Main St, Berlin, OH 44610, USA
8031 Glendale Milford Rd, Camp Dennison, OH 45111, USA
4374 Shreve Rd, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
30 Depot St, Berea, OH 44017, USA